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2013 Year in Review: Park’s Hardy makes national headlines after tattooing issue

In his first year as Park’s head gymnastics coach Terry Hardy made national and local headlines after being criminally cited by Hastings police for tattooing a minor without written parental consent. (Bulletin file photo)

In his first year as Park’s head gymnastics coach Terry Hardy made national and local headlines after being criminally cited by Hastings police for tattooing a minor without written parental consent.

Just before Park’s first meet of the year, on Thursday, Dec. 5, Hardy — who was Park’s co-head coach the past three seasons —was placed on a paid leave of absence and is now expected to be relieved from his coaching duties according to Park Activities Director Phil Kuemmel.

“Terry remains on administrative leave,” Kuemmel said recently. “The school board’s plan is to release him from his position. It’s not a temporary thing anymore. The plan is that he will not be returning.”

Hardy, 37, of Hastings, told Hastings police he had received verbal permission to tattoo the Cottage Grove teen, but police and parents dispute that claim.

The tattoo incidents occurred in June or July at Hardy’s home, according to the Hastings police report. The girl was 15 at the time; she is now 16. The girl received two tattoos from Hardy, according to police. Her father reported it to police earlier this month.

State law requires that anyone under 18 must have written parental consent in order to receive a tattoo. Hardy is not a licensed tattoo artist by the state of Minnesota, according to Hastings police.

Current Park assistant coaches Krissie Thrush and Lindsey Raymond have now taken the reigns of the Wolfpack. Both are former Park gymnasts and have been with the program since 2010. Park also brought in former coach and longtime supporter Dave Anderson on board as an assistant coach and as a spotter.

“Our No. 1 focus is the students, the gymnasts,” Kuemmel said. “We want to make sure they have a positive experience and have a good season. We don’t want this to distract from that.”

Patrick Johnson has been the South Washington County Bulletin’s sports editor since 2008. He reports on and oversees coverage of high school and amateur sports in south Washington County and Woodbury. Prior to joining the Bulletin, Johnson worked for other Twin Cities suburban newspapers. He is a University of Minnesota graduate.